All Projects Medford, MA

Water, Air, & An Old Firehouse

Energy Efficiency Interiors
Energy Efficiency Interiors

30 years after buying this 1894 fire station at auction in the early 1990s and renovating the top floor into their home, our clients knew this old building was due for a bit of love and care. Their roof was starting to leak, many of their big old aluminum windows were starting to fail, and they wanted to figure out how to add a heat pump.

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The roof, which is primarily flat rubber, was the highest priority. There are also two raised structures, one with asphalt shingles and the other with metal roofing. While the metal was in good shape, the rubber and asphalt were failing. However this wasn’t your typical roof replacement job.  A combination of rooftop gardening, a tricky siding detail, and a mix of old skylights and mechanical penetrations made this a challenge well-suited to the Byggmeister team.

To reflect more sunlight down into the home we oriented the new skylights south and installed mirrors at the back and either side of the newly built-up skylight curb.  This not only invited more light in but also enhanced the view of the sky from below with new dimensions.  This was also our first job installing a heat pump with exposed spiral duct work, which worked with the loft aesthetic of the interior space.

The Birdhouse

The new windows in the penthouse, which the homeowners call the birdhouse, along with the new heat pump has made this a much more comfortable space. It’s a relief not to have to install their heavy old window AC every summer, and they love that there is more natural light and less outside noise .

Last but not least, we replaced all the very large main floor windows, which had become cloudy and difficult to operate. All in all, the result is a vast improvement in comfort, efficiency and functionality that will serve our clients and their unique and historic home well for decades to come.